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RESOURCES

Availability of resources is an important factor, which governs development of industries. In this context, the State of Himachal Pradesh is quite rich in agriculture and allied resources. In this section the resources available in terms of Natural, Agricultural, Horticulture, Forest, Livestock & Poultry, Minerals, Fisheries, Sericulture and Tourism are discussed in this chapter.

6.01AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is the mainstay of Himachal Pradesh’s economy. About 81.5% of the total cultivated area in the state is rainfed. Rice Wheat and Maize are important cereal crops of the State.

Table 6.01 Area & Production of Principal Crops

Crops

Area (‘000’ Hect)

Production (‘000’MT)

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

Wheat

366.59

360.07

352.52

562.01

381.18

414.41

Maize

300.15

298.80

295.44

682.62

676.64

543.19

Rice

78.57

76.72

76.70

121.45

118.28

105.90

Barley

23.51

22.63

21.24

30.67

20.45

22.94

Ragi

1.85

1.29

2.68

2.49

2.44

2.21

Pulses

33.87

31.16

21.56

35.96

23.51

20.66

Common

millets

7.44

8.79

5.41

5.46

4.29

1.98

Total food

grains

811.98

799.45

775.22

1440.66

1226.79

1111.16

Sugarcane

2.70

2.43

2.17

58.44

53.06

45.98

Chillies

0.7

0.6

0.58

0.25

0.19

0.08

Ginger

2.27

2.17

2.13

25.54

18.81

13.96

Oilseed

13.93

12.99

13.18

5.25

3.68

3.13

Source: Director of Land Records, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla

Agriculture and its allied activities is the main source of income of the state of Himachal Pradesh as it contributes around 15 % of the total GSDP and it provides direct employment to 68.44% of the total workers of the state. Agriculture Production in the state is largely dependent on timely rainfall, as is evident from the above table that production of total food crop which was 1469.66 thousand tones in the year 2007-08 has decreased to 1111.16 thousand tones in the year 2009-10. The reason for the decrease in production is shifting of cultivation from principal food crops to cash crops like fruits and vegetables by the farmers in the subsequent years. The production of vegetables which was 25 thousand tones in the year 1951-52 has increased to the extent of 1580.923 thousand tones in the year 2012-13. The production of other cash crops such as potato and ginger has increased to some extent, yet the state has not achieved self –sufficiency in both food and non food crops.

It is observed that the State has some quantity of maize surplus which could be put to industrial use such as manufacturing of cattle feed. Poultry feed cornflakes etc. Considerable quantity of potatoes and some quantity of ginger and tomatoes are also surplus in the state and are sent to other States. These can also be used to produce potato chips, dry ginger, ginger powder, tomato sauces etc.

6.02. HORTICULTURE:

During 2011-12 total area under fruits was 2,14,574 hectares, Apple, Mango, Plum, Pear, Peach, Apricot, Almond, Walnut, Orange, K-lime, Litichi, Guava and Aonala are popular fruits grown in the State. Production of fruits was 5,40,775 tonnes during the same period. A small quantity of fruits is processed in Himachal Pradesh and a major portion is sold afresh. The following table gives an account of production and area under different fruits in the State.

Table 6.02 Area & Production under Fruits-2011-12

Particulars

Area (Hect.)

Production (Tonnes)

Apple

103644

412361

Plum

8530

12130

Peach

5181

11307

Apricot

3556

3224

Pear

7333

25148

Cherry

492

412

G- Almond

0

115

Persimon

421

210

Olive

48

10

Kiwi

120

545

Staberry

54

345

Almond

5543

1064

Walnut

4607

1482

Picanut

876

181

Orange

8554

6104

Malta

1419

1085

K.lime

10126

3889

Galgal

2244

1954

Other Citrus

53

7

Mango

39568

49284

Litichi

4572

3068

Gauva

2237

2235

Papaya

216

736

Loquat

66

75

Aonala

2069

1429

Grapes

114

109

P-grnate

1709

1312

Jack Fruit

651

461

Others

571

493

Total

214574

540775

Source: Directorate of Horticulture, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla

Himachal Pradesh has rich diversity of agro-climatic condition varying from sub-tropical to humid temperate and cold deserts. The topographical variations and altitudinal differences coupled with fertile, deep and well drained soil favors the cultivation of temperate to sub- tropical fruits. Thanks to the scientific cultivation of fruits as a result the production of all types of fruits which was 342.30 tones during the year 1991-92 have touched a figure of 5,40,775 tones in the year 2011-12. Apple is the main fruit crop of the state which constitutes more than 76% of the total fruit production and around 48% of the total fruit area.

From the table it may be observed that the area under different fruits which was 163330 hectares in the year 1991-92 has decreased to the level of 214574 hectare in the year 2011-12. The reason for increase in area under major fruits may be that the farmers in the low hilly areas of the State have converted their land for cultivation of ancillary horticulture produce like flowers, mushroom and honey etc. However, like agriculture, horticulture production is largely dependent on climatic conditions. Hence, it may be observed that if the climatic conditions become favorable for growing of fruits to the extent of its maximum potential, there is possibility of having more surplus fruits for industrial purpose. Units which could be setup on the basis of fruits available in the State are fruit processing like Jam, jelly, Juice, squash, fruit pulp, pickles etc.

6.03 FORESTS:

The area under forest is quite significant in the State. As per the National Forest Policy 1982, minimum 33% of the total geographical area should be under forest. The area under forest in Himachal Pradesh is 37033 Sq. Km., which is about 66.5% of the total land. The national average of area under forest is 19.4%. The main forest produce in Himahcal Pradesh is Deodar, Kail, Chil, fir/spruce, Sal, Ban Oak, Mohru, Kharsy-oak, Mapple, Hrsechestnut & Walnut.

Table 6.03 Forest Revenue in Himachal Pradesh

Particulars

2010-11

2011-12

Major Forest Products (in Lakh)

Timber and other forest produce removed by Government Agency

106.63

22.18

Timber and other forest produce removed by Consumer/Purchasers

3601.99

3166.91

Drift and waif wood

0.00

0.00

Sale of timber and other forest produce removed from forests other than HPSFC

1148.35

5665.38

Minor Forest Products (in Lakh)

Minor forest produce including Medicinal plants

6.11

11.18

Grazing and Grass

12.05

12.66

Miscellaneous Products

1668.70

1875.14

Revenue for forest not managed by the Government

0.20

1.03

Net Revenue

6544.03

10654.48

Source: Statistical Abstract Himachal Pradesh, 2012-13

Table 6.04 Forest Resources of Himachal Pradesh

Description

Area of Forest (Hect.)

2010-11

2011-12

State Forest

Reserved

189786

189786

Protected

3312970

3312970

Unclassified

88634

88634

Others

36949

36949

Total

3628339

3628339

Percentage of Total Area

66.5%

66.5%

Source: Forest Department, Himachal Pradesh

These forests contribute to the State economy by way of providing timber, fuel, Ayurvedic medicine, herbs, resins, fodder etc. The said forest produce also act as resource to set up industries in the State. Based on these resources a considerable number of units have been set up in the state. There is still huge scope to utilize the forest waste which is available in the form of Deodar, Kail, Chil, fir/spruce, Sal, Ban Oak, Mohru, Kharsy-oak, Mapple, Hrsechestnut, Walnut, Bird-cherry & other BL Species etc.

6.4. LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY:

6.4.1 LIVESTOCK

Livestock is an important allied income generating activity related to farmers of Himachal Pradesh. Besides milk, other items like hides, skins, bones and natural manure are also generated from this activity. As compared to other States, people of Himachal Pradesh have adopted modern and latest methods in the field of livestock. In the absence of animal husbandry, the life style of rural areas of Himachal Pradesh could not be imagined. The total livestock population in the State of Himachal as per 2007 census is 5616.69 thousand. Table 6.04 shows that overall livestock have shown slightly increasing trends. It indicates that due to less mechanization in agriculture the demand of drought animals is still there and people are opting for high milk yielding buffaloes.

Table 6.04. Livestock and Poultry (Nos.)

Particulars

1997

2003

2007

Period/Cattle

2001826

2196538

2269178

Buffaloes

652373

773229

761589

Sheep

908831

906027

901299

Goats

946529

1115587

1240836

Horses & Ponies

22026

17144

13158

Mules

24404

23938

18985

Donkeys

6639

8859

7376

Camels

168

137

56

Pigs

4670

2795

2493

Yaks

2548

1590

1705

Others

731

200

14

Total

4740892

5046044

5216686

Poultry

381650

764136

809546

Dogs

170147

208254

211900

Source: Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Himachal Pradesh

Table 6.05 Production & Availability of Milk

Year/Particulars

Milk production 000’ (Tonns)

2005-06

869.014

2006-07

872.395

2007-08

873.466

2008-09

884.000

2009-10

835.954

2010-11

907.000

2011-12

1119.866

2012-13

1138.612

Source: Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Himachal Pradesh

Table 6.06 Status of Veterinary Facilities (Number)

Particulars

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

Hospitals/CVD

360

361

362

Dispensaries

1764

1763

1762

Other Institutions

72

72

73

Polyclinic

7

7

7

Veterinary Officers

419

419

420

Veterinary pharmacists

2582

2582

2582

Source: Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Himachal Pradesh

As per Table 6.06 the status of veterinary facilities almost same.

6.4.2 POULTRY

Poultry development provides employment both in rural as well as in urban areas, and supplies nutritive food to the consumer in the form of meat, eggs and manure for use in the field. Poultry farming have quick returns from the investment and well-distributed turnover throughout the year. It has helped the establishment of poultry as an industry in the State. The total poultry population in the State of Himachal Pradesh as per 2007 census has been approximately 809546.

6.5MINERALS:

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with mineral wealth. As per Geological survey of India, there are deposits of Lime stone, iron ore, rock salt, slate, gypsum antimony and lead etc in the state. The distribution of these minerals is scattered all over the state and includes lime stone in Bilaspur , Sirmour and Kangra districts; salt and slates in Mandi district; gypsum in Sirmour and Lahaul &Spiti Districts: barite in Sirmaur. In addition to its deposits of natural gas, petroleum and uranium are also expected in some parts of the state. But so far there is no comprehensive survey of their exact location and quantum of deposits except for very few minerals.

6.6 FISHERIES

There is a great potential of pissiculture in the State. Fishery resources of Himachal Pradesh comprise rivers, small water reservoirs and lakes. In addition, there are village ponds which can be made suitable for fish culture after some renovation and water supply arrangements. Farmers have also started construction of fish tanks on farmland as a measure of diversification from agricultural practices in favour of fish farming because they find it more lucrative. The following table gives an account of development of fisheries in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The future of fisheries development appears to be bright in Himachal Pradesh.

Table 6.07 Fisheries

Particulars

Units

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

Total Production

M.Ts.

7381

8045

8560.89

Value of fish produced

Rs. in Lakh

3966.88

5054.66

5818.13

Export of fish from H.P.

M.Ts.

404.12

388.59

1046.08

Export of fish from H.P.

Rs. in Lakh

393.50

514.90

918.04

Import of fish from H.P.

M.Ts.

442.41

586.79

312.87

Import of fish from H.P.

Rs. in Lakh

199.97

304.09

106.79

Source: Fisheries Deptt. Himachal Pradesh

From the table it may be observed that production of fish, has been increasing in the State and reached to the quantity level of 8560.89 MT in the year 2012-13. The fish production is being sold both in and outside the state. The streams of Himachal Pradesh fall under two categories, general waters and trout waters with estimated length of 600Kms and 2400 Kms respectively The major streams include Beas, Setluj, Ravi, Tirthan, Sainj, Uhl, Baspa, Pabar, Lambadug, Giri, Rana, Nugal, Baner & Bata etc.. The major fish available in these streams are Trout, Mahseer, Namacheilus, Schizothoracids & Glyptothorax etc. The main reservoir resources such as Govind Sagar, Pong dam & Chamera are also good source of commercial fish production. The Reservoir of Govind Sagar dam has the highest fish production per hectares. Effort are being made by the department of fisheries to increase the production of fish through its fish breeding farms spread over the different parts of the state ie. Katrain and Nagini in Kullu , Barot in mandi, Holi in Chamba and Sangla in Kinnaur district where Trout fish is being reared. Besides this general water Carp farms are located at Deoli in Bilaspur, Alsu in mandi, Kangra and Sultanpur in Chamba. To increase the fish production and to promote fishery and aquaculture in the state, department of Fisheries is working in the State. A Mahseer farm project with the cost of 5 crore at Machyal near Jogindernagar is under construction. The Govt. of Himachal Pradesh is undertaking and implementing various projects/schemes with the assistance of Govt. of India.

6.7 SERICULTURE:

Sericulture is emerging as one of the important cottage industry in the state. This is providing subsidiary employment to the farmers and also supplementing their income by way of rearing silkworms for production of silk cocoons. The Government of Himachal Pradesh has given high priority to the development of sericulture industry because it has a great potential to raise the income level of small and marginal farmers. The state has suitable climate for blvoltine mulberry sericulture. Sericulture is eco-friendly occupations, which requires no energy and take minimum gestation period and less investment. It is ideally suited to the rural areas and can go a long way in solving unemployment problem to some extent. The state comes in bivoltine region where silkworms are reared twice in a year. This subsidiary occupation is providing employment to about 9000 rural families for supplementing their income by rearing silk-worms and selling cocoons.

In the State seven Sericulture divisions viz. Ghumarwin, Mandi, Palampur, Dehra, Nadaun, Dhaulkuan, Shimla under which 72 sericulture centre, 85 departmental mulberry farms and 28 mulberry nurseries are functioning. These sericulture centers conduct incubation of silkworm eggs, young age rearing and distribute chawki-reared silkworms to the farmers for late age rearing for production of silk cocoons. Besides distributing mulberry saplings and providing technical guidance to the Seri-culturists. Currently sericulture is spread over in about 1928 villages and its major concentration is in the district Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Una and Sirmaur, Total eight silk reeling units one in Govt. Sector at Nurpur (Kangra) and seven under private sector have been set up in district Kangra (3), Hamirpur (1), Mandi (1) and Bilaspur (2).

During the year 2011-12, approx. 1249 hectates mulberry plantation area was put to use for sericulture purpose to produce silk cocoons 180.32 M.T. that was converted into 22.54 M.T. raw silk of value 4.72 crores by 9148 families, beside it generated other intangible incomesand achieved generation of 7.01 lakh mandays from the industry. Total mulberry saplings 4.993 lakh were disbursed and planted under various programmes.

6.8 TOURISM

Tourism in HP has been recognized as one of the most important sectors of the economy. It is being realized as a major engine of growth for future. Himachal Pradesh is endowed with all the basic resources necessary for thriving tourism activity, geographical and cultural diversity, clean monuments and the friendly and hospitable people.

Tourism Industry in Himachal Pradesh has been given very high priority and the Govt. has developed an appropriate infrastructure for its development which includes provision of public utility services, roads, communication, network, airport, transport, facilities of water supply and civic amenities etc.

The department has a proposal for setting up of seven ropeways in Bhuntar to Bijli Mahadev (Kullu), Palchan to Rohtang (Manali), Neugal (Palampur), Shahtalai to Deotsidh (Bilaspur), Khayara to Triund (Kangra), Anadpur Sahib to Naina Devi (Bilaspur) & Jai to Adi Himani Chamunda (Kangra) location in the State under PPP mode on Build, Operate & Transfer basis.

Besides, the department of tourism is providing training in various adventure sports like water sports, paragliding, river rafting, tracking guide etc. to the unemployed youths.